The Montreal Canadiens had little time to dwell on their 10-0 drubbing by the Columbus Blue Jackets as they had to turnaround and face the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday night at the Bell Centre. Perhaps that was for the best though as the loss and decision of head coach Michel Therrien to leave backup goaltender Al Montoya in nets for the entire game would have continued to be the talk in Montreal for days. It was certainly not the prettiest of bounceback games but it was one that the Canadiens can certainly build from as they were able to hold on and defeat the Flyers 5-4.
First periods have been especially difficult for the Canadiens as of late but Andrei Markov gave them the early lead, scoring at just a little over a minute into the game as David Desharnais provided a screen. After a stretch of difficult games, Desharnais found himself back on the third line flanked by Paul Byron and Andrew Shaw. He had been forced to play against stronger competition while Max Pacioretty was his linemate but by playing on the third line, Desharnais will get favorable matchups and is able to positively contribute to the Canadiens.
Unfortunately, the lead did not last long as the Flyers responded with a quick goal. Chris VandeVelde jumped on a loose puck off of face off to snap one past Carey Price. Greg Pateryn had misjudged the direction of the puck and forgot to cover his man. Shortly thereafter the Flyers would take the lead on a defensive breakdown as Shayne Gostisbehere scored to make it 2-1. Luckily for Greg Pateryn, he would atone for his earlier mistake as he scored from the point to tie the game at two a piece.
The Flyers would dominate the second period, outshooting the Canadiens 15-3. Carey Price did what he always does and held the fort until Alex Galchenyuk would score off of a perfect pass by Alexander Radulov towards the end of the period to give the Canadiens a 3-2 lead heading into the second intermission. Phillip Danault scored early in the third period to give the Canadiens a two goal lead but Claude Giroux would get one back for the Flyers on the power play. Tomas Plekanec finally scored his first of the season shorthanded to restore the two goal lead but Travis Konecny would make things interesting as he scored a second Flyers powerplay goal. That was as close as the Flyers would get as the Canadiens would hold on for the 5-4 win.
Puck props and flops:
Props:
Tomas Plekanec - It took 12 games but Plekanec finally scored his first goal of the season. It was a big one at that as it proved to be the game winning goal. Plekanec has taken a lot of heat for not performing offensively this season and since he is earning six million dollars a year, some of that criticism is warranted. There are expectations for the Canadiens most consistent forward and he has delivered as per usual with his defensive play. Hopefully now that the ice has been broken Plekanec will not have to wait another 12 games for his next goal.
Flops:
Inconsistent defense - At times the Canadiens defense can look deep and strong while at others they breakdown and the weaknesses are highlighted. Somehow Andrei Markov can have a very good game and a bad game all at the same time. Alexei Emelin has stepped up to play big minutes on the first unit alongside Shea Weber but the old inconsistencies are starting to creep in. Rumour has it that general Marc Bergevin is looking for top four help.
Props:
David Desharnais - It was a nice bounce back game for Desharnais who struggled mightily (along with all of his teammates) against the Columbus Blue Jackets Friday night. Without Max Pacioretty on his side, Desharnais and his linemates were able to take advantage of more favorable matchups and were twice on the when the Canadiens scored (Markov and Pateryn’s goals). Many like to harp on Desharnais but when he is put into the proper sion, he has demonstrated that he is able to succeed and help the Canadiens.
Flops:
The Canadiens penalty kill - They allowed four goals on Friday night and another pair on Saturday night. The opposition has been putting on a clinic with the man advantage as the Canadiens chase the puck. It is time to regroup and get back to the basics.
Props:
Phillip Danault - He has been one of the Canadiens most consistent forwards these past five games or so. With three goals and three assists in the first twelve games of the season, he is well on his way to having a career season as last year he recorded four goals and six assists. He is constantly using his speed to forecheck and play aggressive. Danault and Torrey Mitchell have created some excellent chemistry and along with Brian Flynn form what just might be the best fourth line in the NHL.
Flops:
The Canadiens power play - After coming along so nicely the Canadiens are in a downward spiral with the man advantage as they went 0-3 against the Flyers. It would be something else if they at least looked good and were just not capitalizing on their chances. Unfortunately, there is little movement and they are barely even getting a shot off. With the personnel that they have, there is no reason for this. It is time to put all of their eggs in one basket and have Pacioretty play the top unit with Galchenyuk and Radulov.
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